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7 Shocking Secrets Revealed In 'Who Done It: The Clue Documentary' That Changed Everything About The Cult Classic

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The enduring mystery of the 1985 film *Clue*—a box office flop that somehow morphed into one of the most beloved cult classics of all time—is finally solved. As of December 19, 2025, the definitive answer lies within the critically acclaimed documentary, *Who Done It: The Clue Documentary*, a passion project that meticulously dissects the film's tumultuous production, its unique marketing gimmick, and the incredible, multi-generational fandom that saved it from obscurity. This comprehensive analysis goes beyond simple behind-the-scenes anecdotes, providing a crucial historical record of a movie that dared to be different, complete with interviews from the original cast and crew, and the long-awaited revelation of its most fabled deleted scene. Released in 2022 and later distributed on Blu-ray in 2023, the documentary, directed by Jeff C. Smith, is essential viewing for anyone who has ever quoted Wadsworth the Butler or debated the true identity of Mr. Boddy’s killer. It chronicles the film’s journey from a risky adaptation of a popular board game to a cinematic staple, featuring the stars who brought characters like Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, and Mrs. White to life, and detailing the exact moment the film’s fate shifted from failure to phenomenon.

The Untold Story of the 1985 Box Office "Murder"

The central premise of *Who Done It: The Clue Documentary* is to solve the "murder" of the original film's box office potential. In 1985, *Clue* was released by Paramount Pictures with a unique, but ultimately confusing, marketing strategy: different theaters received different endings, forcing audiences to see the movie multiple times to learn the truth. While conceptually brilliant, this gimmick contributed to its initial failure, as moviegoers were wary of an incomplete experience. Director Jeff C. Smith’s documentary masterfully uses this initial stumble as its narrative backbone. It features interviews with the original film's director, Jonathan Lynn, who provides candid insight into the challenges of adapting a static board game into a dynamic screenplay. Lynn discusses the pressure of balancing the comedy with the whodunit structure, and the difficulty of managing an ensemble cast of comedic titans, including Tim Curry as the iconic Wadsworth, Madeline Kahn as the unforgettable Mrs. White, and Christopher Lloyd as Professor Plum. The documentary paints a vivid picture of the mid-80s cinematic landscape, where *Clue* struggled to find its footing against bigger blockbusters. It details how the film’s unique blend of farce, slapstick, and genuine mystery was initially misunderstood by critics and audiences alike. The film only truly found its voice and audience years later, thanks to cable television and the burgeoning home video market, which allowed fans to appreciate the script’s fast-paced wit and the cast’s chemistry without the pressure of the "multiple endings" gimmick.

The Biggest Revelations: Cast Interviews and the Fabled Fourth Ending

The true strength of *Who Done It: The Clue Documentary* lies in its access to the stars and the behind-the-scenes secrets they held for decades. The documentary features extensive interviews, providing a retrospective look at the film's legacy and the unexpected longevity of their characters. One of the most heartwarming segments involves Michael McKean, who played Mr. Green, reflecting on the film’s final, shocking twist, which made his character the true hero (or villain) of Ending C. Furthermore, Lesley Ann Warren (Miss Scarlet) and Colleen Camp (Yvette) offer their perspective on the film's transition from a theatrical release to a beloved cult object, highlighting the dedication of the fan community. However, the most anticipated and celebrated revelation in the documentary is the definitive exploration of the legendary Fourth Ending. Fans of the film have long heard whispers of a deleted ending that was never shown in theaters or even widely circulated on home video. The documentary confirms this ending exists and, crucially, includes an animated re-creation of the entire sequence. This segment is a monumental piece of cinematic archaeology, providing closure to a mystery that has puzzled the *Clue* faithful for over three decades. It solidifies the documentary's status as the ultimate resource for *Clue* lore.

Why *Clue* Became a Multi-Generational Cult Phenomenon

*Who Done It: The Clue Documentary* doesn't just focus on the past; it investigates the present and future of the *Clue* legacy. It dedicates significant time to interviewing fans across multiple generations, exploring why the film’s humor and structure resonate with contemporary audiences. The documentary attributes the film's enduring appeal to several key factors:
  • The Ensemble Chemistry: The perfect casting, from Eileen Brennan’s hysterical Mrs. Peacock to the masterful physical comedy of Tim Curry as Wadsworth, created an irreplaceable dynamic that feels fresh even today.
  • The Quoting Power: The script, filled with rapid-fire one-liners and quotable dialogue ("Flames... Flames on the side of my face..."), has made it a staple for interactive viewing and fan gatherings.
  • The Board Game Foundation: The familiarity of the source material—Colonel Mustard, the wrench, the Boddy Mansion—provides a nostalgic anchor that appeals to those who grew up playing the game.
  • The Multiple Endings: While initially a box office killer, the multiple endings ultimately became the film’s unique selling point, turning re-watches into a necessity and a communal experience.
By detailing the film's journey through fan convention appearances, midnight movie screenings, and its distribution via niche labels like Vinegar Syndrome, the documentary successfully argues that *Clue* was not a commercial failure but a film that was simply ahead of its time. It was a movie that required its audience to be active participants, solving the mystery alongside the characters, and in doing so, it forged an unbreakable bond with its dedicated fanbase. The documentary is a powerful testament to the fact that commercial success is not the only metric for cinematic greatness. It proves that a film’s true value is measured by its ability to endure, to inspire fierce loyalty, and to continue sparking debates decades after its release. For any fan of the 1985 classic, *Who Done It: The Clue Documentary* is the final, essential piece of the puzzle, confirming that the real mystery wasn't "who done it," but how a masterpiece was nearly lost to history.
7 Shocking Secrets Revealed in 'Who Done It: The Clue Documentary' That Changed Everything About the Cult Classic
who done it: the clue documentary
who done it: the clue documentary

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